Key result
Leg length inequality strongly predicts takeoff preference, with ~81% of jumpers using the longer leg.
Why the study?
The determinants of takeoff leg preference in jumping, including the roles of handedness and leg length inequality, were not well characterized in young healthy subjects and athletes.
Cross-Sectional (n=892)
The longer leg is predominantly preferred as the takeoff leg in jumping across different athletic and non-athletic groups.
Longer-leg takeoff preference may inform asymmetry screening in athletes; leaves open performance or injury implications.
The takeoff (= push-off) leg in jumping, handedness, and leg length inequality as measured radiographically were recorded for 892 young healthy subjects, 62 of whom were top-level athletic jumpers, 654 competetive athletes representing other sports, and 176 Finnish Army conscripts. Correlation between the laterality of takeoff leg and handedness was poor, but a significant majority (81.4% of jumpers, 65.1% of other athletes, and 76.8% of conscripts) invariably used the longer leg for takeoff. Incidence of leg length inequality was highest in the group of athletic jumpers, the difference between top-level jumpers and runners being statistically significant.
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Friberg et al. (1988) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy (n=892). Leg length inequality was evaluated on Use of longer leg for takeoff. Leg length inequality strongly determined takeoff leg preference, with 81.4% of jumpers, 65.1% of other athletes, and 76.8% of conscripts using the longer leg, while handedness correlated poorly.
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